Theses and Dissertations
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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Lavhelani, N. P."
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Item Embargo Strategies enhancing community engagement in local government: a case study of Thulamela Local Municipality(2025-05-16) Mulaudzi, Mulisa Elijah; Lavhelani, N. P.; Matloga, S. T.This study investigated strategies for enhancing community engagement in Thulamela Local Municipality. Community engagement is critical to effective governance and service delivery in local municipalities. The extent of community involvement in municipal services has been inconsistent, leading to a gap between public expectations and service provision. Through a comprehensive literature review, the research examines critical themes such as the role of communication, public engagement, transparency, and accountability in fostering community engagement. The researcher used a mixed research methodology. Quantitative data was gathered through a structured questionnaire distributed to residents and municipal employees, allowing for statistical analysis of current engagement levels and public satisfaction with municipal services. Qualitative data was collected through a Semi-structured interview schedule, while quantitative data was collected through a structured questionnaire from community leaders, municipal officials, and other stakeholders. The study used the pragmatic approach paradigm and convergent research design to allow the simultaneous collection of quantitative and qualitative data. The study used purposive sampling to select the techniques of skilled and knowledgeable respondents, experienced and knowledgeable respondents, and a probability sampling technique to ensure a representative sample of participants and allow for the generalization of findings to the broader population. The data analysis process involved combining quantitative and qualitative methods, including using techniques such as SPSS Statistics 29 and Microsoft Excel for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data following Creswell's steps. This dual approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the issue from multiple perspectives. This pragmatic approach paradigm framework offered practical recommendations for improving communication channels, increasing community engagement in decision-making processes, and fostering a culture of accountability within the municipality. The findings from this study can potentially be valuable to policymakers, municipal managers, and community leaders, as they provide insights into practical strategies for improving community engagement in local governance. Key findings of the study: • Current engagement practices are more consultative than collaborative, leading to dissatisfaction among residents. Recommendation based on findings of the study: • The Municipality should establish sustained and inclusive community engagement platforms to enhance participation and accountability in governance.Item Embargo The efficacy of Batho Pele principles in delivering basic services: The case of Thulamela Local Municipality(2025-05-16) Nkuna, Winnies Ndzalama; Zitha, H. E.; Lavhelani, N. P.This study sought to identify the efficacy of Batho Pele principles in delivering basic services the case study being Thulamela Local Municipality. The Batho Pele principles provide a framework on how government services should be provided to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the municipal service. Adherence to these principles will guarantee the provision of excellent services that meet the people’s needs and expectations, and enhance customer satisfaction, while upholding the government’s promise that access to decent public services is no longer a privilege to be enjoyed by a few, but the rightful expectation of all citizens. The delivery of services like housing and road infrastructure, water, social welfare, and health centers to communities by the government is referred to as service provision. Despite the existence of these principles, the local sphere of government has received an exponential increase in the number of service delivery protests. This study holds the view that any form of service delivery protest questions the extent to which the municipal sphere of government implements the Batho Pele principles. This study used a pragmatic research paradigm and employed a mixed method. In this regard, the study deployed both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies with the goal of preserving their original structures and procedures, as well as contextual and descriptive research designs. The study used a non-probability sampling wherein purposive sampling method was used to select participants under the qualitative method. The study also used the probability sampling method wherein random sampling method was used to select participants under the quantitative methods. Data was gathered using research questionnaires and interviews. For data analysis methodologies, the study uses thematic analysis and statistical analysis. The study discovered the following: that services rendered to the communities are not fair, effective, efficient and in an equitable manner; Batho Pele principles ensures effective service delivery; non- adherence to the Batho Pele principles hinders basic services delivery: insufficient budget, allocation of funds, negligence, malpractices, scarce resources, lack of control measures and incompetency challenges the implementation of Batho Pele principles; Batho Pele principles promotes effective and efficient service delivery and that Batho Pele principles; municipal service delivery advocates for the well-being of people; and that basic service can be enhanced through the local government turnaround strategy. The study recommends that the municipality's IDP be informed of the community's needs. The study recommends that municipal officials adhere to the Batho Pele principles to promote equitable access to basic services. The study recommends training for municipal officials regarding BPP and adherence to the Batho Pele principles to enhance equitable basic service delivery. The research suggested an appointment of effective municipal ombudsman to monitor the use of resources and budget to promote Batho Pele principles fostered service provision. The study recommends that Batho Pele principles and municipal service delivery ought to advocate for the well-being of people. Recommendation by the study is that community participation in municipal affairs must be encouraged and strengthened to promote basic service delivery that caters their needs and well-being. The study recommended that local government turnaround strategy be utilized in the implementation of Batho Pele principles.Item Embargo The involvement of school management teams and teachers in managing work-related stress in selected schools, in Soutpansberg North Circuit, in Vhembe District Municipality(2025-09-05) Muravha, Khathutshelo; Lavhelani, N. P.; Zitha, H. E.This study was based on the involvement of School Management Teams and teachers in managing work-related stress in selected schools in Soutpansberg North Circuit, in Vhembe District Municipality. The South African Department of Education has been undergoing different challenges which compel an employer to play a dynamic role in improving and preserving the wellbeing of employees. School Management Teams have the responsibility to understand the causes and effects of work-related stress so that they can strategize on how to overcome them. The main aim of the study was to assess the involvement of School Management Teams and teachers in managing work-related stress in selected schools in Soutpansberg North Circuit in Vhembe District Municipality and to propose recommendations to enhance their involvement. A qualitative research approach was used to assess the involvement of School Management Teams and teachers in managing work-related stress. The study adopted a qualitative approach because it is deemed appropriate when collecting and analysing non-numerical data to understand concepts, opinions and experience. Non-probability sampling through purposive sampling was adopted to allow the researcher to focus on in-depth issues essential to the study. The population of this study comprised - School Principals, Heads of Departments (HODs), and senior teachers - of three purposively-selected primary schools in Soutpansberg North Circuit in Vhembe District Municipality. Twelve participants were selected for the study due to their experience and familiarization with the study phenomenon. Self-administered open-ended questionnaires were utilized to allow for unlimited responses and to offer qualitative data, while using thematic analysis on the data. The findings of the study shows that School Management Teams and teachers do not consult the Employee Assistance Practitioners because the former have not experienced challenges that may need such services, while others have no idea of the Employee Assistance Programme. The researcher recommends that senior managers need to initiate sub-branches of the Employee Assistance Practitioners in circuits to ease the programme’s access by all employees in an area.Item Embargo The unique challenges facing the Mozambican immigrants in Mbombela Local Municipality(2025-05-15) Manzini, Nomondwe; Lavhelani, N. P.; Matloga, S.The study sought to investigate Mozambican immigrants’ unique challenges in Mbombela Local Municipality. Migration is the process of moving to another area with the intention of being a permanent resident. Factors that might influence a person’s decision to immigrate include career possibilities, environmental considerations, a desire to get a better education, the need to escape danger, persecution, terrorism, human rights abuses, and natural catastrophes. Immigrants increase economic activity, foster innovation, and raise native-born workers’ productivity. Immigration growth also increases tax receipts and fiscal experience. Even though they may only have the option to relocate, immigrants face several challenges in the nations where they settle, including language problems, cultural differences, prejudice, and difficulties finding employment, housing, and health care. To ensure the logical premise of the research, the study applied interpretivism and positivist research paradigms and a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The researcher adopted a purposive subtype of the non-probability sampling method to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The researcher used the open-ended questionnaire to collect qualitative data and structured interviews for quantitative data. Both statistical and narrative data analysis were used as they focus on various methods for interpreting data. For quantitative data, the researcher employed statistical data analysis, and thematic data analysis for qualitative data. The research is intended to greatly advance people’s knowledge and diversity associated with migration and to enlighten them about the challenges facing immigrants and its effect on both the migratory communities and the immigrants. The study adhered to the ethical guidelines of the institution. Failure to acquiring legal documentation and formal employment forced labour and violence and are the major challenges facing Mozambican immigrants. Difficulties for immigrants to further studies due to lack of legal documentation is another challenge. The study recommends municipal policies, strategic plans, and reports pertaining to immigration and foreign nationals by consulting local government documents. It is significant to simplify immigration processes with the Department of Home Affairs to improve legalisation of permits and documents.